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There are over 600 muscles in the human body, and they do everything from pumping blood around our bodies to helping us lift something heavy. Muscles work by contracting or relaxing to cause movement, and they work with our bones to give our bodies power and strength. Our muscles are constantly working, even when we sit still. However, muscles can be injured or strained, and many health conditions can affect them, including fibromyalgia, cardiovascular disease, and infections such as the flu and COVID-19. Muscle atrophy, or muscle wasting, can occur due to malnutrition, age, genetics, lack of physical activity, or certain medical conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of muscles in the human body | 600 |
| Muscle movement | Voluntary, involuntary |
| Types of muscles | Skeletal, smooth, cardiac |
| Muscle disorders | Myopathy |
| Muscle atrophy causes | Malnutrition, age, genetics, lack of physical activity, nerve problems, neurogenic conditions, medical conditions |
| Muscle atrophy symptoms | Reduced muscle mass, weakness, numbness, tingling, difficulty swallowing or speaking, trouble walking or balancing |
| Muscle strains | Caused by overuse, can lead to pain, swelling, and bruising |
| Muscle health | Requires minerals, electrolytes, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium |
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Muscle atrophy
There are three main types of muscle atrophy: physiologic, pathologic, and neurogenic. Physiologic atrophy, also known as disuse atrophy, is caused by not using the muscles enough, often due to a sedentary lifestyle, malnutrition, or immobility resulting from illness or injury. This type of atrophy can often be reversed with exercise, physical therapy, and improved nutrition. Pathologic atrophy is associated with aging, starvation, and diseases such as Cushing's disease, hypothyroidism, or certain muscle diseases like muscular dystrophy and myopathies. Neurogenic atrophy is the most severe form of muscle atrophy and is caused by an injury or disease affecting the nerves that connect to the muscles. This can include conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), carpal tunnel syndrome, spinal cord injuries, or multiple sclerosis. Neurogenic atrophy can occur more suddenly than physiologic atrophy.
The treatment for muscle atrophy depends on the underlying cause and the degree of muscle loss. Treating the underlying condition may help slow the progression of muscle atrophy. In cases where the cause is incurable, treatments may focus on reducing symptoms. Physical therapy, including specific stretches and exercises, is often recommended as a first-line treatment. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is another effective treatment option. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. While there are limited treatment options in clinical practice, minimizing immobility is critical to prevent further muscle atrophy in cases of injury or illness.
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Strains and tears
Muscle strains can be mild to severe and are graded by healthcare providers accordingly. A mild muscle strain (Grade I) occurs when the muscle is stretched and pulled, causing minor damage, but without tearing through. This is the most common type of strain. A moderate muscle strain (Grade II) has torn through some or most of the muscle, affecting muscle strength and range of motion. A severe muscle strain (Grade III) occurs when the muscle tears completely.
A complete muscle tear may require surgery to repair it. The surgery involves stitching the two ends of the muscle back together. During the recovery process, the muscle begins to heal by regenerating muscle fibres, but a significant amount of scar tissue also forms. This scar tissue remodels over time, but the muscle tissue may never fully regenerate, making the muscle more prone to future injury.
Mild to moderate strains can often be treated at home with rest, ice, compression, and elevation to relieve pain and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers may also be prescribed to reduce pain and swelling. Severe strains may require medical treatment, including physical therapy to strengthen the muscle and restore movement.
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Involuntary movements
Involuntary muscle movements refer to any body movements that are outside of one's control. These can range from mild twitching to more pronounced jerking movements affecting the arms, trunk, neck, face, limbs, or other parts of the body. Involuntary movements can be classified as simple or complex, depending on the number of muscle groups involved. Simple tics may include excessive shoulder shrugging or finger flexing, while complex tics can manifest as repetitive hopping and flapping of the arms.
Myoclonus, a type of involuntary movement characterised by sudden muscle twitching or jerking, can be further categorised into different types. Physiological myoclonus includes common movements like hiccups, sleep myoclonus, and startle reflexes. Essential myoclonus is a genetic form that tends to run in families and is usually benign. In contrast, symptomatic or secondary myoclonus occurs as a symptom of other conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and epilepsy.
The treatment for involuntary movements depends on the underlying cause. Medications, surgery, deep brain stimulation, or behavioural therapy may be recommended. Working with a neurologist or a neurosurgeon is often necessary to determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Physical therapy, including swimming, stretching, walking, and balance exercises, can help improve coordination and slow muscle damage caused by involuntary movements.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience involuntary movements, regardless of their severity. While some involuntary movements may be temporary and harmless, others can indicate underlying medical conditions or permanent neurological issues that require specialised treatment.
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Smooth muscles
Smooth muscle cells have a unique structure, with narrow ends, a wider middle, and a shorter length compared to skeletal muscle cells. They are activated by the sliding of myosin and actin filaments, resulting in muscle contraction. This process, known as crossbridge cycling, is powered by the hydrolysis of ATP. Smooth muscles contract slowly and automatically, demonstrating greater elasticity than striated muscles.
In the digestive system, smooth muscles contract and relax to facilitate the movement of food through the body. They are also responsible for controlling the width of passages in the body, such as blood and lymph vessels and airways. Smooth muscles in the sphincters, like the bladder or anus, stay flexed and only relax when needed.
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Skeletal muscles
Exercise has numerous beneficial effects on skeletal muscles. It leads to muscle growth, increased endurance, and improved ability to utilise different nutrient sources. Exercise also enhances insulin sensitivity, which is particularly important for individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Additionally, exercise induces changes in the fibres of skeletal muscles, shifting the proportions towards slow-twitch fibres with aerobic exercise and towards fast-twitch fibres with powerlifting and sprinting.
When skeletal muscles are not used regularly, they undergo disuse or physiologic atrophy, causing them to decrease in size and strength. This occurs because the body believes these muscles are no longer needed and starts breaking them down. The process of disuse atrophy can begin within two to three weeks of muscle inactivity and may be reversible with regular exercise and improved nutrition.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscles are pieces of soft tissue throughout your body that help you move, breathe, swallow and stay alive. There are over 600 muscles in the human body.
Muscle atrophy occurs when your muscles aren't used enough. Your muscles will appear smaller than normal and you may experience weakness, numbness or tingling in your arms and legs.
Exercise can cause muscle strain, which occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched too much or tears. Strains can cause pain, swelling and bruising. Your body will heal strains by creating new muscle fibres to fill in the damaged area.
Stress can cause muscle tension and tightness, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Stress can also cause a person to clench their jaw, leading to jaw pain and headaches.
